Gadit

pale by comparison

Definitions
1idiomTo seem less impressive or significant when compared to something else.
The new movie was good, but it paled by comparison to the original.
Her performance was excellent, but it paled by comparison to her last show.
The small town's festival was charming, but it paled by comparison to the city's grand celebration.
Word Origin
Language
English
Originally meant
To appear less bright or impressive when compared to something else.
Background
The phrase 'pale by comparison' uses 'pale' in the sense of losing color or brightness, metaphorically extending to losing significance or impact. It has been used in English since at least the 19th century to describe something that seems less impressive when compared to another thing.